Chapter 54: 054

Chapter 54Inside the office building, Chu Zhishui and Xin Yunmao were finalizing this year's tea orders. With the Spring Festival just over and temperatures soon to rise, the new tea-picking season would begin in a few months.

Hu Chenrui, having finished his directors' meeting, rushed over with a beaming face and good news: "It's all set! We've sorted out the shop matter. Let's go look around - we can pick a location to open the store now."

"That was fast," Chu Zhishui said, amazed. "The directors are incredibly efficient."

Hu Chenrui's negotiation speed was like a bulldozer, impressing even Chu Zhishui. Had none of the directors hesitated at all?

"Once we pick the spot, we can return to Huaijiang. When the shop actually opens, Director Ye and others can help keep an eye on it, since it's right at the entrance of the Yinhai Bureau," Hu Chenrui said decisively, having clearly planned everything out.

Besides the main entrance, the Yinhai Observation Bureau had a small door connecting to the outside streets, which led to a lively shopping area. The entire street was lined with distinctive shops - bookstores, cafes, flower shops, and Japanese restaurants - making it impossible to explore everything in one go.

Land in Yinhai was extremely valuable. Though the shops were small, only businesses with substantial backing could maintain long-term operations here. The Yinhai Bureau happened to own several storefronts, which they either operated themselves or leased out. Some had just become vacant after the New Year, though they hadn't been completely cleared out yet.

"This one's better than the other," Chu Zhishui said, taking photos with her phone. "It's smaller but the location is prime."

Hu Chenrui nodded: "The feng shui is better too."

"The keys haven't arrived yet, I'll go check," Chu Zhishui said. Unable to enter the shop while waiting for Du Zigui, she was about to send a message when her phone suddenly displayed an incoming call.

It was from Li Longke.

Chu Zhishui's phone was on silent mode, so no ringtone would disturb anyone.

Xin Yunmao, standing beside her, glanced at the name on the screen: "Why aren't you answering?"

"I'm just surprised," Chu Zhishui frowned. "It's like a ghost story."

"Ghost story?"

"How can someone buried in a graveyard be calling me?"

"?"

When Chu Zhishui left her job, she hadn't deleted Li Longke's contact information, believing they'd parted on decent terms. Blocking and deleting each other seemed childish, and they could still see each other's WeChat moments. True indifference meant feeling nothing - even occasional glimpses of the other's updates would pass by like a gentle breeze, causing no ripples.

But this definitely didn't include phone calls.

Chu Zhishui excused herself from Xin Yunmao and Hu Chenrui, walking a bit further away before answering the call with controlled calmness: "Hello? Mr. Li."

Hu Chenrui, previously unconcerned, perked up his ears at the formal address, like an alert fox raising its head.

"Zhishui, how have you been lately?" Li Longke asked warmly. "Are you currently in Huaijiang?"

"No..." Chu Zhishui hesitated. "I'm in Yinhai."

She didn't want to say this, but running into each other these days would be quite awkward.

"Oh, you're in Yinhai?" Li Longke exclaimed, quickly adding with a laugh, "That's even more convenient! I was planning to visit you in Huaijiang, but now we can meet up in the next couple of days."

Chu Zhishui responded oddly: "Meet up?"

She was his former colleague, not his ex-girlfriend - what was there to meet about?

"Yes, I've been thinking carefully about our previous discussions regarding the company, and I realize I acted quite impulsively and probably made you feel wronged. I've been feeling guilty about it," Li Longke said. "Let's meet and talk. I want to formally apologize and hope you'll consider coming back. After all, you're one of Long Zhi's founders - one of the characters in 'Long Zhi' belongs to you."

"..."

His tone was identical to when they started their business together in college, but having been deceived once in her youth, Chu Zhishui wouldn't fall for it again. She knew Li Longke could be generous and sincere, but only when he was at his lowest. Once he gained power, he could instantly tear off his mask and reveal his greedy fangs.

It seemed Dragon Knowledge Video was really finished if Mr. Li was humbling himself to seek her out.

Chu Zhishui maintained her composure: "You're too kind, Mr. Li. Long Zhi uses the 'zhi' from 'knowledge,' while my name uses the 'zhi' from 'childlike.' Long Zhi's current success is mainly due to your efforts."

"Are you still angry?" Li Longke asked, troubled. "Let's talk face to face."

"No, I'm not angry. I'm actually here on business in Yinhai and probably won't have time."

"I remember you joined a public institution. How about I come meet you near your workplace?"

"..."

Goodness, he was so annoying. Never start a business with a man - they might pursue you like an ex-girlfriend even after you quit, which was absolutely nauseating.

Not wanting to reveal the Bureau's location, Chu Zhishui gave a noncommittal response, politely suggesting they meet another time. As everyone knows, "another time" means never.

Seeing her end the call, Xin Yunmao blinked and asked, "Was that the person from your previous company?"

He remembered her mentioning her former company when he picked her up at the bar last time.

Chu Zhishui sighed: "Yes."

"Previous company?" Hu Chenrui's internal alarm bells rang loudly. Recalling how Chu Zhishui had once complained about low wages and wanted to resign, he casually asked, "Xiao Chu, are you planning to meet him soon?"

He wouldn't accept Chu Zhishui returning to Yinhai - it would ruin all his plans and cause Huaijiang Bureau's performance to plummet.

"No," Chu Zhishui started, "just exchanging pleasantries."

Hu Chenrui smiled: "Could it be you're hesitant to agree because I'm here?"

Chu Zhishui was at a loss for words: "No, Director Hu, you're overthinking it. I truly don't plan to meet him. I'm happy at the Bureau, and I've just been promoted to deputy section chief - I wouldn't dare dream of opportunities outside."

"Heh, well, that hasn't been officially approved yet. Who knows what might change?" Hu Chenrui smiled. "After all, our institution pays less than the private sector. Once their company goes public, they'll basically achieve financial freedom."

"..."

Chu Zhishui sensed his misunderstanding. Taking a deep breath, she said gently: "Director Hu, I believe both humans and supernatural beings should be sincere and trust each other. That's beneficial for unity."

"Working at the Observation Bureau dealing with human-supernatural disputes has taught me one thing: never trust humans easily," Hu Chenrui raised an eyebrow. "Especially humans who are good at diplomatic talk!"

"...You often engage in diplomatic talk yourself."

Hu Chenrui declared: "If you're not planning to go back, why not meet him? Have him come to the Bureau and reject him in person."

Hu Chenrui didn't trust Chu Zhishui at all. When she first joined the Bureau, she never complained, yet suddenly submitted her resignation without warning. Skilled operators never speak up - they quietly accomplish things. Job-hopping works the same way; those who complain the loudest usually stay, while the seemingly stable ones suddenly resign.

"I'll go inform Director Ye. You can talk in the conference room later," Hu Chenrui said, abandoning the shop viewing to find Ye Huayu.

"He's quite persistent," Xin Yunmao raised an eyebrow, seemingly puzzled. "You definitely won't go back." Sёarᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Knowing Chu Zhishui's past, he naturally felt no worry. Aside from the circumstances of her resignation, even if she wanted to make money, she could simply wish through him - why work under humans?

Chu Zhishui complained: "Foxes are just too suspicious - always doubting everything."

Inside the office building, when Ye Huayu heard Hu Chenrui's request, he was equally confused: "This is Xiao Chu's personal choice, right? Besides, it's inconvenient for humans to work at the Bureau. She can tell the quality of watches - she's clearly experienced. It's natural for people to seek better opportunities."

Hu Chenrui scolded: "What better opportunities?"

"Well, outside they do less work but earn more. Look at the supernatural beings who haven't joined civil service - they earn several times more than us," Ye Huayu said. "They've bought up all the villas in Yinhai's suburbs."

Supernatural beings at the Observation Bureau couldn't freely enter into agreements with humans, limiting their money-making opportunities, though they held high status in the supernatural world.

"Old Ye, let me tell you, if she develops her career in Yinhai, the Divine Lord will definitely follow," Hu Chenrui warned. "Then you'll experience my current life - he definitely won't step foot outside Yinhai again!"

"..."

At the Yinhai Observation Bureau, as closing time approached, the crowd outside the iron gates gradually thinned.

Li Longke arrived at the designated location by car, puzzled by Chu Zhishui's choice of venue. He later learned that she was attending a meeting with leadership and needed to return to Huaijiang quickly afterward, which explained why they had to meet at her workplace. Perhaps there were confidentiality agreements restricting employees from leaving the premises.

In his impression, government institutions were usually plain, but the Yinhai Observation Bureau's entrance was imposing and solemn, with luxury cars filling every parking space at the gate.

Outside vehicles weren't allowed inside the bureau. Li Longke made a call at the security post and then walked toward the designated office building. He found it strange that Chu Zhishui didn't come out to meet him, but just as he took a few steps, an angry voice questioned from beside him.

A middle-aged man dressed in designer clothes from head to toe, who appeared to be someone of status, pointed at Li Longke in irritation: "Why is he allowed to enter!?"

The security guard explained, "You misunderstand, sir. He's not here for business; he has an appointment with someone inside."

Li Longke's heart skipped a beat. He felt increasingly anxious, not knowing what powerful department Chu Zhishui had joined, with its strict security and restrictions on leaving, while wealthy elites gathered outside. He hurried inside.

Wasn't she supposed to retire in Huaijiang?

How did this seem like she'd joined some extraordinary organization?

Modern society was just like this: money alone wasn't enough. It was merely an entry ticket to the elite circle; one needed power and connections too.

Li Longke had recently come to understand this principle deeply. His self-made fortune wasn't substantial, unlike New Perspective's Qi Chang, who was well-connected. Once Qi Chang won over investors, his company immediately positioned itself against Dragon Knowledge, leaving Li Longke furious but helpless.

When Chu Zhishui was at the company, she excelled at maintaining relationships, getting along well with investors. Li Longke was far inferior to her in this regard, and had clearly struggled over the past year, which led to the idea of inviting her back.

Dragon Knowledge Video was now in crisis, with even company employees mocking it. She was probably the only one who still wished the best for Long Zhi.

Looking back now, Li Longke realized that Chu Zhishui had never done anything to harm Long Zhi, and his previous suspicions and resentments toward her had dissipated along with the company's internal and external troubles. He had to admit, if he wanted someone to reorganize everything, she was the most reliable choice.

Inside the office building, Li Longke gently knocked on the door and finally saw Chu Zhishui.

He glanced inside casually; it appeared to be a break room where meeting participants were leisurely drinking tea. The room contained both men and women of various ages, dressed unlike civil servants, with some wearing gold chains around their necks.

Chu Zhishui opened the door slightly. Having been detained there by Director Hu, she reluctantly said, "Mr. Li, I'm sorry, but I've been in meetings with the director these past few days, so we can only meet like this."

Li Longke smiled, "That's fine, shall we talk outside?"

Ye Huayu leaned close to Xin Yunmao and whispered, "Divine Lord, can you really tolerate this?"

Xin Yunmao's expression remained calm, having stayed silent throughout. He glanced at Li Longke and, unusually, responded in a cool tone: "His looks are mediocre."

"Little Chu, don't go out, come sit here," Hu Chenrui beckoned warmly. "We'll keep our voices down and won't disturb you."

"Thank you, Director Hu," Chu Zhishui replied numbly, thinking to herself that if they really didn't want to disturb, why did he gather so many supernatural beings here.

Ye Huayu and Hu Chenrui had suddenly gathered a group of outside supernatural beings, claiming they wanted to build relationships, and ended up tasting green tea in the break room.

After each supernatural being finished their tea, they would praise Xin Yunmao, saying things like how amazing the Divine Lord was, why hadn't they built temples for him yet, and offering to help plan it: those with money would contribute funds, those with strength would contribute labor.

Chu Zhishui was now certain of Xin Yunmao's power. He had previously just been too lazy to engage in such matters, but he clearly had the confidence to be arrogant, with countless supernatural beings wanting to curry favor with him. The supernatural beings from the Observation Bureau were still decent enough not to kneel before his authority, but the outside ones fawned over him in droves, only stopping when he emanated cold air in response.

If Chu Zhishui hadn't been in the room, Xin Yunmao would have already taken out his umbrella to drive the supernatural beings away. He had always despised such beings, considering them even more spineless than those in the Observation Bureau, having completely integrated into human secular society with their obvious bootlicking and social climbing written all over their faces.

The Dragon God once had such followers too, all of whom Xin Yunmao had despised.

After entering the room, Li Longke noticed there were quite a few people inside, all possessing remarkable presence regardless of their appearance.

Among them, the most striking was the coldly handsome man in the corner, who sat with his long legs crossed carelessly, appearing uninvolved in others' conversations. The empty seat beside him held a familiar laptop, which must have been Chu Zhishui's, with its distinctive water droplet sticker: a small detail that hadn't changed.

Xin Yunmao noticed Li Longke's gaze and casually lifted his eyes to scan him up and down.

Li Longke only felt a chill down his spine, uncomfortable from start to finish, like an ant facing an elephant.

"Mr. Li, let's talk over there," Chu Zhishui didn't dare bring him near Xin Yunmao, planning to find any spot to conclude their business quickly.

"Eh?" A square-faced man in the room seemed distracted, looking carefully at Li Longke, he questioned, "Aren't you that person from Long Zhi? I think I've seen you at some meeting."

Li Longke started, thought for a moment, and nervously greeted him: "Are you Mr. Wang from Ten Thousand Clients Investment?"

"Yes, that's me!" Mr. Wang slapped his thigh, "I thought you looked familiar: we met when you were raising funds!"

"Yes, yes, we did meet once. I'm Li Longke from Long Zhi," Li Longke politely shook hands.

Another fashionable beauty asked, "What's Long Zhi?"

"We're a video website that uses new thinking to connect users and provide targeted services," Li Longke explained confidently. "The main idea is to satisfy needs while watching videos, whether it's shopping, learning, or socializing, creating a complete ecosystem."

The fashionable beauty exclaimed, "Isn't that just like New Perspective Video?"

Aliali: 674546a7c4f3f33ac44c928aLi Longke gritted his teeth: "They copied us."

He now felt like he was out fundraising, facing a group of demanding investors, everyone wanting to offer their opinions.

"But your interface looks similar to many other apps?" The fashionable beauty searched on her phone, "Aren't they all the same?"

Hu Chenrui: "Little Chu, did you used to work at this company? I remember the APP was quite fun back then, I even used it for a while, and the comment section had a good atmosphere."

Chu Zhishui: "You must have used the early version?"

After Chu Zhishui left, Li Longke brought in a new operations team, which did dilute Dragon Knowledge Video's original characteristics. Honestly, she now felt her former company's APP was quite ordinary, no different from others in the market, and she had long stopped paying attention to it.

Li Longke stiffened: "We're currently working on designs, and might restore our original features."

"Old Wang, Old Wang, is there money to be made investing in this?" the fashionable beauty called out, "I've been thinking of trying my hand at investment with 100 million!"

"Director Chu is already at the bureau, don't you understand?" Mr. Wang said, "If you really want to throw money away, go ahead and try."

Li Longke: "..."